'Big Bang Theory' star Kaley Cuoco weds

By Lisa Respers France, CNN

updated 10:41 AM EST, Wed January 1, 2014

Raise your hand if you're excited for the return of "The Big Bang Theory!" season 8 kicks off on September 22, and things have changed for our favorite Pasadena physicists. Let's catch up with where the cast is at the start of Season 8.

Jim Parsons has won four Emmys for his portrayal of physicist Sheldon Cooper, who is as clueless about social interaction as he is knowledgeable about science. At the start of season 8, Sheldon makes a grand return back home after trying to run away to clear his head with a train trip. Although he didn't deal well with change last season, by the second episode he's taking on a new job.

Simon Helberg plays Howard Wolowitz, an aerospace engineer who started out a bit awkward with women, but these days is happily married. At the start of season 8, he's having trouble adjusting to the new, prominent role his mother's caretaker, Stuart.

"Roseanne" alum Johnny Galecki stars as Leonard Hofstadter, Sheldon's long-suffering roommate and, as of the season 7 finale, the future husband of Penny (Kaley Cuoco). He is a physicist. As far as his new engagement to Penny, executive producer Steve Molaro has warned that fans shouldn't expect to see a wedding any time soon.

Cuoco, left, plays Penny, a waitress who can't quite match wits with her group of friends but nevertheless hangs out with them. In season 8, Cuoco's new haircut won't be the only change for Penny, who's embarking on a career as a pharmaceutical sales rep with help from Bernadette (Melissa Rauch, right).

Rauch's Bernadette Rostenkowski-Wolowitz is a highly paid scientist who is married to Howard. A frequent joke in the show is how she can be as overbearing as his mother.

Three-time Emmy nominee Mayim Bialik plays Amy Farrah Fowler, a scientist who is involved with Sheldon. She also believes she is best friends with Penny. Although Amy and Sheldon have definitely progressed in their relationship (they even kiss now!), they're still taking it very, very slowly as season 8 begins.

Kunal Nayyar plays Rajesh Ramayan "Raj" Koothrappali, a shy astrophysicist who up until recently could only talk to women after he drank alcohol. He is desperate to find true love and recently, finally found a girlfriend. At the start of season 8, his relationship with Emily is still solid.

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Photos: 'Big Bang Theory' cast

'Big Bang Theory' cast

'Big Bang Theory' cast

'Big Bang Theory' cast

Photos: 'Big Bang Theory' cast

'Big Bang Theory' cast

Big Bang Theory cast

'Big Bang Theory' cast

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STORY HIGHLIGHTS

The actress is one of the stars of "The Big Bang Theory"

She got engaged after three months of dating

Cuoco said their whirlwind romance was "magic"

(CNN) -- Her character on "The Big Bang Theory" could never discuss the rings of Saturn, but there's one ring actress Kaley Cuoco knows all about.

The pair had a whirlwind romance, getting engaged after just three months of dating. The actress said at the time that while she knew it was unconventional, the couple have a lot in common.

"It's been magic," Cuoco said. "We grew up with the same people, we just never met, so I kind of feel like I've known him my whole life. I know it seems a little crazy on paper, but it's what works for us."

Cuoco plays Penny, a waitress who is part of a group of friends including extremely educated scientists on the hit CBS show. She was previously linked romantically with "Man of Steel" actor Henry Cavill and her "BBT" costar Johnny Galecki.